Electric trains can currently travel up to 75mph along the line, but once testing is complete the speed limit will rise to 100mph.

Mark Ashton, sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Following the successful introduction of electric passenger trains on the Manchester to Preston railway last week, last night we completed our last test as part of the project to allow trains to run up to 100mph.

Engineers running tests on the train

“High speed testing of the overhead wires will support the introduction of greener, faster and more frequent trains - a key aim of the Great North Rail Project to help transform rail travel across the North.

"I would like to thank local people for their patience while we have completed this transformational upgrade.”

The results of the tests will be thoroughly checked before being verified by the Office of Rail and Road, after which 100mph services can run on the route when new timetables come into effect in May.